The kitchen table might have replaced the office cubicle, but the risks of work-related injuries haven’t disappeared, they’ve just moved closer to home. As more employees embrace the remote work lifestyle, a pressing legal question has emerged: What happens if you’re injured while working from home?
It’s unfamiliar ground for many, including employers and insurance providers. But one thing is certain, workers’ compensation still plays a crucial role. And navigating legal requirements without a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can quickly become a maze of uncertainty.
The Rise of Remote Work – and the Risks That Come With It
Remote work isn’t just a trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how we do business.
In 2020, millions of Americans suddenly found themselves working from home. Fast forward to today, and remote work is no longer a temporary measure. It’s a permanent setup for many employees – and with that comes a new set of hazards that weren’t part of traditional office life.
The Home Office: More Dangerous Than You Think
At first glance, working from home sounds safer. No commuting, no warehouse machinery, no slippery office floors. But injuries still happen, often in ways you wouldn’t expect.
For instance, if you trip over a laptop power cord while rushing to a Zoom call, that’s potentially a work-related injury. So is carpal tunnel syndrome from poor ergonomics or a back injury caused by sitting in a dining chair for eight hours a day.
Fun Fact: A 2021 survey found that only 38% of remote workers had a dedicated home office space, meaning the majority were working from sofas, beds, or kitchen counters. Comfort? Maybe. Risk of injury? Absolutely.
Workers’ Comp and WFH: Are You Still Covered
Many remote employees assume workers’ comp doesn’t apply outside the office. That’s not true, at least, not automatically.
Workers’ compensation is designed to cover any injury that arises out of and in the course of employment. This phrase is key. If you’re doing something work-related and get hurt, you may be entitled to benefits, even at home.
What Qualifies as a Work-Related Injury
For an injury to be covered, it must meet specific criteria. You need to prove that:
- The injury happened during working hours
- You were performing a task related to your job
- The activity directly benefited your employer
If you slip while walking to the kitchen for a snack, probably not covered. But if you fall on your way to retrieve printed client documents? That could be a valid claim.
This gray area is exactly why many remote workers are turning to workers’ compensation lawyers, to help clarify the rules and fight for benefits when employers or insurers push back.
When the Employer Pushes Back: Why Legal Help Matters
Despite the rise in remote work, many employers still struggle to accept that injuries can happen in a home environment, and they may resist approving claims for that reason.
Some might argue your home setup wasn’t “approved” or that your hours weren’t clearly defined. Others might question whether the injury really occurred during work. These kinds of disputes can drag on and delay your access to benefits like wage replacement and medical treatment.
Lawyers Bring Clarity – and Muscle – to Your Claim
A workers’ comp attorney can step in early, help document your injury, gather necessary medical records, and ensure your claim is positioned for success. They know how to counter vague denials and highlight the facts that matter most. Many people find it helpful to use the map below to quickly locate nearby legal assistance when dealing with a work-related injury.
Interesting Fact: In some states, courts have already ruled in favor of remote employees injured at home, setting a growing legal precedent that benefits claimants.
Best Practices for Remote Workers to Protect Themselves
Even if you’re not injured, it’s wise to take preventative steps now:
- Document your work hours and activities clearly
- Create a safe and ergonomic workspace
- Report injuries to your employer immediately
- Take photos and keep records, just as you would at a physical office
These actions can support a future claim, and make it harder for an insurer to question your case.
The Office May Be Gone, But Your Rights Remain
Remote work may have reshaped the 9-to-5 grind, but it hasn’t eliminated workplace injuries. If you’re hurt while working from home, don’t assume you’re out of luck. Workers’ compensation laws are evolving, and more cases are being won by employees who stood up for their rights.
Still, the path isn’t always straightforward. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer can be your greatest ally, ensuring you don’t get left behind in this new, homebound work world. Because even when your commute is just down the hall, your right to protection shouldn’t stop at your front door.